1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 5.2 from North America

Summary:

Another great vehicle from the folks at Jeep..

Faults:

In the first 5000 miles I owned this thing I had to replace the transfer case. This vehichle has the Quadra-Trac (aka Quadra-Junk) transfer case and beware, EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM IS TRUE!! At about 65,000 miles, it started locking up on dry pavement which made it nearly impossible to maneuver in tight spaces. This was a $2500 repair. Jeep told me that it is true that it's a common problem, but the I was out of luck because there is no recall. Also at about 67,000 miles I had to have the rear differential rebuilt because of a stripped-out breather tube which allowed water to get in. Another $1000. Immediately after that, the water pump went. Not a big deal, but after $3500 in repairs, it was enough for me to say a few choice words. There have also been various oil and transmission leaks since the day I got it. After 5 trips to the dealer, I have gotten nowhere. I've gotten used to adding a quart of oil every 800 miles.

General Comments:

Unless you would like to become very friendly with your neighborhood Jeep dealer, don't buy one. It's a comfortable, nice looking, piece of garbage. Never in my life will I own another Chrysler product.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th February, 2003

25th Jun 2004, 14:02

Did I mention that this vehicle had 98% highway miles on it, received meticulous maintenance, and the only time it ever left the road was when I drove it across my lawn to wash it?

20th Aug 2004, 14:40

I own a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. Sure it is comfortable as h_ll, and drives really smooth, but it has had more problems than Michael Jackson as of late. Firstly, I had to get my engine completely replaced after about 5,000 miles (I bought it used and it could have been a lemon though, Thank god for that warranty) Next, I had the same problem with my transfer case. My mechanic located a used one for 700 thereby saving me some money. Lately, when my fuel levels get under 1/4 of a tank the Jeep sputters, especially when I try to accelerate. I'm not much of a car guy, but could this be the fuel injection system? Anyhow, this vehicle has given me more headaches than a colicky baby. I freakin' hate it and wish I would have kept my Nissan Altima, now THAT was a reliable car.

15th Sep 2005, 21:24

I agree with the first comment. Don't treat your Jeep like a sports car, I found that out the hardway and now my Transmission keeps slipping.

1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 6 Cyliner from North America

Summary:

Good enough for anybody!

Faults:

Air Conditioner freon leaked out repeatedly.

Air Conditioner caused mold smell in the car.

Antenna no longer extends or retracts automatically when radio is turned on/off. The motor is still running, but the antenna doesn't move.

The left rear window will not open.

General Comments:

Overall this has been the best car I have ever owned, but it hasn't been cheap!

The car had 72,000 miles when I bought it, but it seemed to have been very well cared for. My most serious complaint is about the air conditioning. The air has never worked right, and still doesn't. There was a freon leak, and the mechanics could not locate the source, even though they used colored dye. Most recently I was advised to have the O-rings replaced on the compressor. The local dealership is so bad I haven't even gone there. I am visiting a local shop that I trust.

I really like the way the Jeep drives, although handling is not good in high winds. In all other conditions, everything is fine. The RPM's jump by over a thousand when you leave the cruise control on while going uphill. I don't really like this because I think it's bad for the transmission. I usually take of the cruise control before heading uphill.

I wish the care were not a "full-time" four-wheel drive. I think this hurts the gas mileage, which is not that good to start with... about 17 mpg.

The car was rear-ended at high speed while parked. I was really impressed by how little damage was done. When the cops finally towed the offending car (which had been abandoned) back to the scene, it looked like it had been through a meat grinder. My repair bill was huge, but I think that was probably just something between the shop and my insurance company. My Jeep still ran fine after the accident, and it didn't look that bad. I really feel like this is a solid, safe car.

Reliability has been superb. It starts, and runs every time. I have the basic services done regularly, but otherwise there just haven't been any major problems. I did replace the front brakes and rotors at about 85,000 miles, but nothing else. This is the most reliable car I've ever owned. I think I was really lucky in terms of the previous owner (s) taking care of it.

The only reason I checked "no", for buying from this manufacturer... I know a few people who have newer Grand Cherokees, and they got hosed! The overall quality of this model seems to have gone downhill since the mid 90's. I think the 1995 model, and the couple of years preceeding, are probably your best bet for a Grand Cherokee.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th January, 2003

12th Sep 2009, 16:08

I have a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee, actually my second one. Best vehicles I have ever owned, almost at 260 klm now on my second, no trouble with either of them. I have done everything from towing my boat to climb mountains with them, they are tough and very reliable.